Maternal Mortality in India: Lancet Data and MMR Trend
Why in the news
A study in The Lancet pointed to India’s large share of maternal deaths. Though the ratio has dropped sharply, gains have flattened in recent years.
Key facts
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| India’s share of global maternal deaths | About 1 in 10 |
| Maternal deaths in India, 2023 | About 24,700 |
| Global maternal deaths | About 2.4 lakh |
| MMR in 1990 | 508 |
| MMR in 2023 | 116 per 1 lakh live births |
Key concepts
- Maternal mortality: death of a woman during pregnancy, childbirth or within 42 days of ending a pregnancy, from causes related to or worsened by pregnancy.
- MMR: maternal deaths per 1 lakh live births; a key public health indicator and a tool for tracking global development goals.
- Institutional delivery: childbirth in a hospital or health centre, giving skilled staff, emergency obstetric care and lower risk of maternal and newborn deaths.
Preventable causes
- Haemorrhage (heavy bleeding).
- Hypertensive disorders such as preeclampsia.
- Infections (sepsis).
- Existing medical conditions made worse by pregnancy.
Progress and drivers
- Large decline since 1990, helped by more institutional deliveries and wider antenatal care.
- Schemes: Janani Suraksha Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan.
Concerns
- Rapid gains until 2015, then a slowdown that hints at structural problems.
- Gaps in health infrastructure and last-mile delivery.
- Regional gap: Kerala and Tamil Nadu perform better; Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh carry high burdens due to unequal access to quality care.
Exam angle
- MMR is measured per 1 lakh live births.
- Figures: 508 (1990), 116 (2023).
- Schemes: Janani Suraksha Yojana, PM Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan.
- Relevant to UPSC Prelims definitions and GS 2 and 3.